Incentive and meeting planners can add exclusivity or excitement to their programmes by including one of these little-known locations and activities.
Sky Bar, Hotel Michael
At the rooftop of the 11-storey Hotel Michael – the tallest in Sentosa – is the Sky Bar. Once reserved for high-rollers at Resorts World Sentosa, it can now be booked for invitation-only corporate events. The outdoor deck, which has an 1.2m infinity plunge pool, offers panoramic views of the resort, sea and Singapore’s southern skyline. Timing sundown cocktails to coincide with the fireworks display at Universal Studios Singapore gives guests an added treat.
In April, the 40-member Lenovo China incentive group enjoyed a buffet dinner at the Sky Bar. Some 200 members of 12 chambers of commerce in Singapore networked over a selection of fine wines and canapés. Private access makes for bespoke events, such as Remy Martin’s product launch. Canon’s cocktail reception included a fancy presentation set-up, while DBS, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan have also hosted private events here.
Village cookout, Pulau Ubin
Singapore is a culinary paradise, but few visitors have sourced for spices and cooked their meal in an authentic village. Cookery Magic conducts unique cooking classes for corporate groups of 20 to 60 participants on Pulau Ubin. Sakina Dhilawala, founder of Waalkz, describes their employee incentive experience: “The class was conducted in an old kampung (village) house, in a rustic and natural environment. We went on an hour-long walk where we learned to identify various herbs to be used in the class.
“Back in the house, we were divided into teams and given a lively demonstration by Ruqxana Vasanwala from Cookery Magic. Each group had to replicate her ‘nasi kerabu with sambal and black pepper prawns’. What a blast – pounding chilli, chopping herbs and remembering special techniques. It was a great way to get employees to bond with one another in a relaxed environment.”
Bottle Tree Park
Located in a quiet corner of Yishun, the park simulates bygone village and farming life. Popular activities include prawn fishing and a nature walk to identify trees and plants – including the bottle tree. A manager from event organiser Fishing Paradise says: “Bottle Tree Park is a wonderful kampung look-alike for our fishing events. Fishing only costs upwards of US$10 per person. The food is great too.”
Cookery Magic also holds classes there for 20 to 100 people. Vasanwala says: “We use fresh vegetables and prawns from the farm and cook over a lake. Teams get to cook three dishes and then enjoy their meal in the lakehouse.” Event capacity at the park ranges from 30 to 1,500 people.
Kartright Speedway
This go-kart facility at Jurong, in Singapore’s western sector, has a 750m-long challenging track, two air-conditioned corporate lounges and covered gallery with a good view of the track. Banks, ICT companies, MNCs and government agencies are among the clients that have used Kartright for something exciting and different. A recent incentive winner says: “It is the thrill of driving on a race track. With the Formula 1 Grand Prix, we can only watch but not participate.”
Kartright’s professional event planners recommend the grand prix format for competitive and challenging races, and endurance races for teambuilding or large groups. Mini-races or time trials are also available. Group sizes range from 10 to 150 participants.
The Float @ Marina Bay and Fun Trails
The Float @ Marina Bay – the world’s largest floating platform – is available for international and local hire, but is best suited to mega-events. The Promontory@Marina Bay and Lawn cannot be booked for corporate events but there are five “fun trails” available in the Marina Square and Marina Bay area for architecture, heritage, public art, waterfront and running.
Each trail, along shady or sheltered walkways, can be completed in 50 to 75 minutes. Running routes span 3.5 km to 9.5 km. Interesting narratives, quizzes or treasure hunts can be designed around the themes, while the waterfront trail could include a water-taxi ride, stopping at One Fullerton near Merlion Park for the iconic photo of the merlion water feature.
Helipad of Swissotel the Stamford
At 71 storeys, New Asia Bar is the highest hotel bar in Singapore. But topping that is the Helipad. Not usually sold as a venue, the Helipad is only open to bar patrons for two hours on the last Thursday of every month.
This makes it more desirable from a host’s perspective, says a party planner, as the hotel’s helipad offers a great 360-degree view of the central business district and beyond. Previously used for media and fashion events, the Helipad could be a top event spot if Swissôtel is willing to rent it out as a venue.